Electrofluidic transducer

ABSTRACT

This transducer includes the usual fluid beam-forming nozzle and output ports from which variable fluid streams are designed to issue. The proportion of fluid output is determined by an electromagnetically actuated deflector disposed between the nozzle and output ports for movement in response to electrical signals. The deflector has a rounded fluid beam deflecting surface movable relative to the path of the fluid beam.

0 United States Patent 1151 Harvey et al. 1 5] Feb. 1, 1972 [54] ELECTROFLUIDIC TRANSDUCER 3,275,014 9/1966 Plasko ..137/8l.5 [72] Inventors: Wirt T. Harvey, Phoenix; John W. Mer- 3276463 10,1966 Bow-[es s sd 1 b th f 3,276,473 10/1966 Lew1setal.... 3,470,914 10/1969 Smith [73] Ass1gnee: 'gfiflGarrett Corporation, Los Angeles, FOREGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS [22] Filed, Dec 5 1968 1,083,607 6/1960 Germany ..137/81.5

[21] App1.No 781,555 Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Att0rney--Herschel C. Omohundro and John N. Hazelwood {52] U.S.Cl ..l37/8l.5 [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. ..Fl5c 3/00 58 Field of Search ..137/81.5; 235 201, 200 This transducer includes the usual fluid beam-forming nozzle and output ports from which variable fluid streams are l 56] References Cited designed to issue. The proportion of fluid output is determined by an electromagnetically actuated deflector disposed UNITED STATES PATENTS between the nozzle and output ports for movement in response to electrical signals. The deflector has a rounded 3,102,389 9/1963 P81161851! et 31. UX beam deflecting Surface movable l i to the p of 3,187,762 6/1965 Norwood ..137/81.5

, the flu1d beam. 3,209,775 10/1965 Dexter et al. ..137/81.5 3,258,024 6/1966 Bauer ..137/81.5 8Claims,6Drawing Figures ELECTROFLUIDIC TRANSDUCER SUMMARY This invention relates generally to the fluidics art wherein variable fluid flows, rather than mechanical elements, are relied upon for performing operating functions. In the present invention, use is made of a combination of electrical and fluidic means to produce a transducer possessing advantages of both arts.

An object of this invention is to provide an electrofluidic transducer having means operative in response to electrical signals to produce corresponding fluid signals, which in turn are amplified in fluidic apparatus to develop fluid pressures suitable for use in actuator components of a pneumatic or hydraulic system.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrofluidic transducer having nozzle means to form a fluid beam, output port means for receiving variable portions of the fluid beam to produce differential pressure signals, and novel means between the nozzle and output port means responsive to electrical signals to deflect the fluid beam in the operation of varying the portions thereof collected by the output port means.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrofluidic transducer of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph in which the means for varying the portions of the beam collected by the output ports consists of a deflector element supported adjacent the beam-forrning nozzle for movement relative to the path of the beam, the deflector serving to turn the beam in one direction or another from its path to cause varying portions to flow through the output ports.

A still further object of the invention is to arrange the output ports in a particular relation to the beam-forming nozzle and deflector whereby a predetermined proportion of fluid from the beam will be received by the output ports when the deflector is in one position relative to the path of the beam and variable amounts of the fluid beam will be received when the deflector is moved to other positions in the beam, the proportion being dependent upon the relation of the beam and deflector.

Another object is to vary the size and/or shape ofthe deflector to cause changes in the path of the beam between the nozzle and the output ports, cylindrical elements with convex deflector surfaces being employed in certain instances and deflector elements with concave surfaces being utilized in other instances, the output port arrangement being varied in accordance with the change in deflector surface. In all instances, the deflector means is moved by an electroresponsive device according to signals transmitted electrically thereto.

Other objects and advantages will be made apparent by the following description of various embodiments of the invention selected for illustration in the accompanying drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a portion of fluidic system in which the transducer forming the subject matter of the present invention is incorporated; and

FIGS. 2 through 6 are schematic view of various forms of the invention.

DESCRIPTION Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 10 designates generally the portion of fluidic system shown in FIG. 1 This system includes the transducer, designated generally by the numeral 11, forming the subject matter of the present invention. This transducer transforms electrical signals, sensed in a region under observation, into fluid pressure signals which are transmitted to fluidic apparatus for controlling the generation of fluid pressure differentials employed to operate an actuator or other component of fluid or hydraulic systems.

The fluidic system includes a source 12 of fluid under pressure, which is conducted to an inlet port 13 of the transducer 11. In this instance, the transducer includes a body member 14 provided with the inlet 13 and a nozzle 15, this nozzle being a groove of suitable cross sectional shape and size for forming and directing a fluid beam generally toward output ports 16 and 17. These ports are arranged at the opposite side of a reaction chamber 18 from the nozzle 15. They are disposed in side-by-side relationship with a relatively sharp splitter element 20 therebetween.

The output ports communicate with passages 21 and 22 which lead to control jet nozzles 23 and 24 in a first-stage fluid amplifier 25. This amplifier may be of suitable form and includes a nozzle 26 which receives fluid from a pressure source 27 and forms a fluid beam 28 in the usual manner. This beam is moved, by pressure differential variations in the control jets, between output passages 29 and 30, which in turn are connected with control jet nozzles 31 of another stage of amplification provided by amplifier 32. As many stages of amplification as are necessary to secure the desired result may be employed. The amplifier 32 also has nozzle means to form a beam 33 which is controlled by fluid jets applied thereto from nozzles 31. A plurality of output ducts 34 and 35 lead from the amplifier 32 to further stages of amplification or the point of use.

The invention herein is directed to the transducer 11 which is employed to transform electric signals into fluid pressure signals. This transducer includes a magnet 36 with pole sections 37 and 38 disposed at the w of of an armature 39, this armature being surrounded by one or more coils 40. The armature has a pin 41 projecting therefrom into the reaction chamber 18 of body 14. The pin, in the first form of the invention shown, is normally disposed to be engaged by one side of the fluid beam issuing from the nozzle 15. The armature is supported for reciprocation to cause the pin 41 to move transversely in the path of the fluid beam. In the form of the invention disclosed in FIG. 2, the pin 41A is of relatively small size, being substantially equal to or slightly smaller in diameter than the width W of the beam-forming nozzle 15A. The pin is disposed nearer one side of the fluid beam than the other so that a predetermined proportion of the beam will initially be directed into the output ports 16A and 17A, the output ports being oriented to cause such distribution. It will be noted from FIG. 2 that the deflector pin 41A is disposed at the opposite side of the center of the fluid beam path from the output port 17A. When signals of predetermined intensity are applied to the coils of the transducer, the pin 41A will be moved further into the fluid beam and will deflect an increased portion of such beam toward output port 17A. The amount of beam deflection and the volume of fluid received by such output port will depend upon the extent of movement of the pin 41A into the path of the beam. It should be obvious that the means forming the output passages could be moved instead of, or in addition to, the movement of the pin. It is preferable, however, to move only the pin to avoid complication of the mechanism.

In FIG. 3, the initial position of the pin 418 has been changed to immediately in front of the splitter 208 between the output ports 16B and 178. In this form of the invention, movement of the pin toward either side of the beam will deflect variable proportions of the beam into the output ports, the larger portion being directed into the output port away from which the pin is moved. In other words, when the pin is centered between the output ports, equal proportions of fluid will flow into such ports. When the pin is moved toward either output port, the portion of fluid received by the other output port will be increased, and vice versa.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the pin 41C is of larger size, the diameter being at least two or more times the width of the nozzle 15C. In this form of the invention, the pin 41C is normally disposed to be engaged by the edge portion of the beam, as in the form of the invention above described; however, due to the larger size of the pin, the fluid is attracted by the pin and tends to flow around it, bending the beam toward one of the output ports (in this instance, port 16C). The output ports will, therefore, be so oriented that in the initial position of the pin, predetermined proportions of the beam will be received by the output ports 16C and 17C. The proportions may be changed by moving the pin relative to the beam, greater engagement of the latter with the pin serving to increase the volume received by output port 16C.

in the forms of the invention so far described, the deflector pin has a rounded, or convex, outer surface. In one form of the invention the beam is deflected away from the pin, while in the other form the fluid is attracted by and caused to curl around the pin and the beam is bent toward the output port disposed on the same side of the beam-forming nozzle as the deflector pin.

The electromagnetic portion of the transducer may include one or more coils 40 to which electric impulses may be transmitted. The coils may be energized individually, or both may be energized additively or in a bucking relationship, depending upon the armature motion desired. If one coil is energized, the armature will be caused to move in one direction only. If the polarity is reversed, the armature will be caused to move in the opposite direction. When the coils are energized in the bucking relationship, the direction and extent of movement of the armature is dependent upon the amount of difference in energization of the coils. The coils polarize the armature in a direction so that it is repelled by one of the fixed poles and attracted by the other. This action causes the armature to move in the direction of the greatest coil magnetization or on the polarity of the coil.

in FIGS. and 6, the deflector elements 42 and 43 are provided with concave deflector surfaces. in the forms of the invention shown in these figures, the output passages 44 and 45 are disposed at either side of the beam-forming nozzle 46 and extend in a relatively reverse direction. The deflectors 42 and 43 are arranged in the path of the beam issuing from the nozzle and may be moved to either side to cause variable portions of the beam to flow into the output ports. In these forms ofthe invention, the beam, in effect, rebounds from the deflector surfaces into the output ports. Deflector 43 differs from deflector 42 in that the former is provided with a divider 47 and a concave surface on each side thereofv The extent of movement toward either side of the path of the beam will determine the volume of fluid directed to the particular output port. The deflectors 42 and 43 will exert opposite effects upon the fluid beam. For example, when deflector 42 is moved to one side of the fluid beam or the other, the output port on that side will receive more fluid than the other output port. Movement of deflector 43 causes the output port on the opposite side, relative to the direction of movement, to receive the greater volume. The electromagnetic means employed to move the deflectors 42 and 43 will be the same as that shown in the forms of the invention previously discussed.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that electrofluidic transducers of different forms have been provided; however, in each form the means for varying the portion of the fluid beam collected by the output ports has a rounded deflector surface. In certain forms, such rounded surface is convex while in others it is concave. In all forms, the deflector is moved by an electromagnetic means which is responsive to electrical signals emanating from a region under observation. Such signals may be very minute in character, but will still be sufficient to cause the deflector to move far enough to vary the control signals which are then amplified as required to secure the desired result. Since such small signals are effective, the device is extremely sensitive.

We claim:

1. An electrofluidic transducer, comprising:

a. means forming a nozzle opening and at least one output port spaced therefrom, said nozzle opening receiving fluid under pressure from a source and directing a fluid beam in the general direction of the output port; and

b. means disposed adjacent said nozzle opening and said output port for varying the portion of said beam flowing into said output port, said means being supported for movement and having a deflector with a rounded beam engaged surface presented to said nozzle opening, said surface being of a width at least substantially equal to that of said nozzle opening, said deflector being movable at least partially across said nozzle opening and into the path of said beam.

2. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 1 in which an electromagnetic means is provided, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which said deflector means is secured for movement thereby in the path of said beam.

3. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 2 in which a pair of output ports are provided and the deflector means is cylindrical and extends transversely of the path of the fluid beam.

4. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 3 in which the deflector is normally disposed adjacent one side of the nozzle opening and one of the output ports substantially registers with said nozzle and the other output port is disposed at the opposite side of the beam from said deflector means.

5. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 3 in which said deflector is of a diameter at least twice the width of the nozzle opening and the output ports of said pair are disposed to receive substantially equal portions of a fluid beam issuing from said nozzle opening when said deflector is disposed to be engaged by a predetermined portion ofsaid beam.

6. A electrofluidic transducer, comprising:

a. means forming a nozzle and a pair of output ports spaced therefrom, one output port substantially registering with said nozzle and the second being at one side thereof, said nozzle receiving fluid under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output ports;

b. means disposed between said nozzle and output ports for varying the portions of said beam flowing into said output ports, said means having a cylindrical deflector of maximum diameter equal to the width of the nozzle and disposed at the opposite side. thereof from said second output port, said deflector normally being disposed at the edge of the path of a fluid beam issuing from said nozzle and movable transversely of such beam; and

c. electromagnetic means for moving said deflector, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector is secured for movement thereby.

. An electrofluidic transducer, comprising:

a. means for forming a nozzle and at least one output port spaced therefrom, said nozzle receiving fluid under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output port;

b. means disposed adjacent said nozzle and said output port for varying the portion of said beam flowing through said output port, said means having a concave beam-engaged deflector surface movable relative to the path of said beam; and

c. an electromagnetic means provided adjacent said deflector means to move the same relative to said beam, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector means is secured for movement thereby.

An electrofluidic transducer, comprising:

av means for forming a nozzle and a pair of output ports spaced therefrom, said nozzle receiving fluid under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output ports;

means disposed adjacent said nozzle and said output ports for varying the portion of said beam flowing through said output ports, said means having a pair of concave beam-engaged deflector surfaces; and

c. an electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector means is secured for movement thereby. 

1. An electrofluidic transducer, comprising: a. means forming a nozzle opening and at least one output port spaced therefrom, said nozzle opening receiving fluid under pressure from a source and directing a fluid beam in the general direction of the output port; and b. means disposed adjacent said nozzle opening and said output port for varying the portion of said beam flowing into said output port, said means being supported for movement and having a deflector with a rounded beam engaged surface presented to said nozzle opening, said surface being of a width at least substantially equal to that of said nozzle opening, said deflector being movable at least partially across said nozzle opening and into the path of said beam.
 2. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 1 in which an electromagnetic means is provided, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which said deflector means is secured for movement thereby in the path of said beam.
 3. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 2 in which a pair of output ports are provided and the deflector means is cylindrical and extends transversely of the path of the fluid beam.
 4. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 3 in which the deflector is normally disposed adjacent one side of the nozzle opening and one of the output ports substantially registers with said nozzle and the other output port is disposed at the opposite side of the beam from said deflector means.
 5. The electrofluidic transducer of claim 3 in which said deflector is of a diameter at least twice the width of the nozzle opening and the output ports of said pair are disposed to receive substantially equal portions of a fluid beam issuing from said nozzle opening when said deflector is disposed to be engaged by a predetermined portion of said beam.
 6. A electrofluidic transducer, comprising: a. means forming a nozzle and a pair of output ports spaced therefrom, one output port substantially registering with said nozzle and the second being at one side thereof, said nozzle receiving fluid under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output ports; b. means disposed between said nozzle and output ports for varying the portions of said beam flowing into said output ports, said means having a cylindrical deflector of maximum diameter equal to the width of the nozzle and disposed at the opposite side thereof from said second output port, said deflector normally being disposed at the edge of the path of a fluid beam issuing from said nozzle and movable transversely of such beam; and c. electromagnetic means for moving said deflector, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector is secured for movement thereby.
 7. An electrofluidic transducer, comprising: a. means for forming a nozzle and at least one output port spaced therefrom, said nozzle receiving fluiD under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output port; b. means disposed adjacent said nozzle and said output port for varying the portion of said beam flowing through said output port, said means having a concave beam-engaged deflector surface movable relative to the path of said beam; and c. an electromagnetic means provided adjacent said deflector means to move the same relative to said beam, said electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector means is secured for movement thereby.
 8. An electrofluidic transducer, comprising: a. means for forming a nozzle and a pair of output ports spaced therefrom, said nozzle receiving fluid under pressure from a source and creating a fluid beam for discharge through the output ports; b. means disposed adjacent said nozzle and said output ports for varying the portion of said beam flowing through said output ports, said means having a pair of concave beam-engaged deflector surfaces; and c. an electromagnetic means having an armature to which the deflector means is secured for movement thereby. 